Having recently returned from the annual GNEX conference in Las Vegas, and the ARDA WIN conference in Orlando, I feel once more regenerated and inspired to continue this wonderful journey that has been my passion for over a quarter century; the world of Vacation Ownership.
Gatherings of Industry professionals, mixed with many newcomers at conferences such as GNEX, ARDA, AMDETUR, ACOTUR, CARE, just to name a few, give us all an opportunity to learn and grow. It is overwhelming to see the experienced leaders as they guide and advise the newcomers to the most incredible industry in the world. It is also great to see the new generation with innovative products and services that simply enhance our already great Industry
Bad news makes the news, good news, not so much sadly. Each industry, including ours, has its bad players. But they are the significant minority, especially in today’s marketplace. My observation after over a quarter century of attending Vacation Ownership Conferences in Mexico, the USA and Canada, that the good players are ensuring the ethical growth of our Industry.
When I first was introduced to the Timeshare World, in the early 1990’s, my initial impression was no different than most, good concept, but little trust in their process and long-term value. I was lucky to be introduced to CRDA, the Canadian Resort and Development Association (CRTA's original name), at the very beginning of my career.
I read once that all good leaders don’t settle for how things are, they constantly look how they can improve. I also know by experience that you become a product of your chosen environment. Hang out with unethical business associates, and soon you will transgress in that behavior. Hang out with leaders, successful and ethical people, and you grow in that environment.
Attending Industry conferences, such as the ones I mentioned, are the secret weapon to a successful career in the world of Vacation Ownership. This is where you find, mingle, and interact with the industry’s best. If you simply add the number of attendees by the number of years of experience, you end up with thousands of years of combined experience. The challenge is to choose cautiously on who you connect with or listen to at a panel discussion. And most of the well experienced and successful attendees will gladly share and help anyone.
Larger conferences tend to offer more seminars while smaller ones tend to have more interactive panels and networking events. Both have great value.
Safe travels everyone. I look forward to seeing you at CRTA’s fall conference. We proudly affiliated with GNEX to facilitate the event www.gnexcanada.com
Kindest Regards,
Gaetan Babin RRP
President & CEO
Canadian Resort and Travel Association
The 12th annual Perspective Magazine Awards were presented at the Finale Party of GNEX 2022 at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas on 17th February.
GNEX 2022 Conference, which saw record-breaking attendance was packed with incredible networking opportunities, enlightening and inspiring general sessions, a golf tournament, a poker tournament and a full buy out and private performance of a hit Las Vegas Show!
Considered one of the highest honors in the hospitality industry, the Perspective Magazine Awards recognizes companies and individuals for their achievements within the vacation industry over the past year. Several CRTA members were amongst the attendees and award winners.
For the complete list of 2022 Perspective Magazine Award Winners - click here
I cannot help being excited as we approach the first Vacation Ownership conference of 2022. GNEX is getting ready to welcome Industry leaders from the USA, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean at Encore at Wynn Property in Las Vegas. This is one event I would not miss.
GNEX has attracted for over a decade now a consortium of Industry experts from all corners of North America. The buzz, for lack of a better word, at a GNEX event is contagious. To have the ability to share, learn and develop important relationships is their key objective and Paul and Sharon Mattimoe have been successful at it. So how do you get the most of such a conference where the combined years of experience is well into the 1000’s?
I have attended approximately 100 Vacation Ownership events such as International or more specific targeted conferences. My very first one was at a Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) in Toronto back in the mid 90’s. Overwhelmed initially as we were surrounded by developers and Timeshare experts who shared on so many aspects about the industry than I thought even existed. It was not for me to talk; it was time for me to listen and listen I did.
Larry King, who passed away a while back, once said: “I never learned anything by talking”. I made it a mission to meet and listen to attendees, especially the ones that had impressed me with their willingness to share innovative ideas. I was especially attracted to those who showed an interest in ethical and transparent behavior, while providing a value driven proposal.
Gloria Collinson was the then President of CRTA. Once all the high positioned attendees had their time with her, I approached her and introduced myself. The mission of this Trade Association was clear; unite Developers, Marketers, Trainers, financial institutions, everyone that has a take in the Timeshare Business. But more importantly, everyone that committed to ethical and transparent behaviour. That was the element that captured me. CRTA was the Canadian Trade Association committed to the growth and ethical practices for all Canadian Developers.
My Ha! Ha! moment came when I got introduced to the Canadian RCI President, Stephen Marks. We bonded immediately as our discussion was based on what our Industry offered consumers; guaranteed high quality vacations on an annual basis. Much later in the conversation, he looked at me with a profoundly serious look in his eyes and told me something I will never forget as it’s been my mantra ever since.
“Gaetan, I see the passion in you towards your commitment to our industry’s growth. Make me a promise. Make sure you leave this Industry in a better shape than when you discovered it.”
Stephen has passed since then, so has Gloria. But their words never will. My career has been enhanced by all the great people I have encountered along my journey, too many to name. Conferences such as GNEX unites us all in a forum where we are all committed and willing to share our experiences for the betterment of the Vacation Ownership Industry.
In my new role as the head of CRTA, I kept my promise to Stephen Marks and continue in my journey and commitment of ethical practices to all our Members not only in Canada, but to all destinations Canadians love to travel to. www.canadianrta.org
Members of CRTA also have that commitment and when they display at their properties their affiliation with the Canadian Trade Association CRTA, they not only commit to a transparent and ethical sales process, but a good value offering. Any Canadian consumers considering such an offer has the confidence of proceeding when they see that the Resort is a Member in good standing of the only Canadian Trade Association for the Vacation Ownership Industry.
I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas for those that can attend. I look forward to seeing you in Toronto this coming September for the GNEX/CRTA conference.
Safe travels,
Gaetan Babin RRP
President & CEO
Canadian Resort and Travel Association
[email protected]
3 Cool Guys.
The total age of 3 equals the age of 1. Now, that on its own is a little disheartening for the author. One day you’re 26, and the next you wake up at 66. I remember singing “when I’m 64” and that was over 2 years ago. But I don’t mind the age; matter of fact I was told that it's better to age than the alternative. Makes a lot of sense to me.
We met on a golf course in Orlando. They were very welcoming as I was paired with them. Along the way one asked me what I did for a living. A few minutes later they knew more about me than most business colleagues. Yes, they googled me. Now who does that on a golf course? 
They were full of questions about the Timeshare Industry in 2022 and the conversation during the entire 18 hole was incredible. I feel I got more from these guys than the other way around. They were impressed by our Industry; the size of it, its economic impact on the GDP. We discussed relationships, marketing and what age does give you as an advantage, experience, and wisdom.
But on the other hand, I was learning about the power of E Commerce for one. All 3 being in the early 20’s, their language was evidently different than mine. One had created a new business a couple years ago and the speed of their growth was impressive. And all due to new ways of reaching clients. While I still struggle to keep up with Social Medias, they were teaching me how they use it to promote ideas and connect with a much larger market than what traditional marketing accomplishes. What is often a challenge for baby boomers is the norm for this new generation Z. It is fair to say that all 3 of these guys were on the right path. I wish them all the success they deserve.
We got along because we all were interested in each others perspective on various topics. How refreshing versus the one way “let me tell you about me and my accomplishments” kind of discussion. They insisted that I join them for dinner which we did. The entire evening was appreciated by everyone. So, what did I learn?
I joined this Industry nearly 30 years ago. I met some of the smartest, and most enterprising individuals along the way. Our product design, sales and marketing has evolved with the ages to meet new demographics and psychographics. However, you want to know what to create, what to change? You need to listen to this new generation, which is our future market.
What impressed me with these 3 individuals was their appetite for knowledge. But an appetite to learn from what they referred to as only listening to credible sources asides from available social medias. They admitted not to respond to tricked marketing approaches. They check everything online for credibility. Once they trust you, they listen and act on your advice.
Because of this unplanned meeting, I will focus at our next Industry Conference to connect with creative young minds. Their view is often different but enlightening. So that is my commitment at GNEX in Las Vegas. Hope to see you there; it is a very interactive conference and attended by the real leaders and innovators of the Vacation Industry www.gnexconference.com
It was a real pleasure meeting 3 bright minds who are our future. I hope our paths cross again in the future.
Dear friends.
There is much beauty in Winter, with so many activities enjoyed by what this season offers; snowmobile adventures, downhill skiing or a more relaxed cross-country version, skating and various winter festivals. This is also the time of the year when many Canadians look forward to their Vacations south of the border. And justifiably so.
I am writing you today from a beautiful property in Orlando. This well known resort in Bonnet Creek offers the ultimate in what Vacation Ownership is known for. Every room is spacious and complete with all the amenities you would expect from a first-class Resort. From the moment I checked in I was impressed with their attention to the safety of all their guests and personnel. I have travelled to many Resorts that offer Vacation Membership programs in the last 30 years but it always feels like the first time when you arrive at a new property.
The difference from a regular hotel or even personal home rentals, is the attention to details. As most guests are members of either this property or an affiliated one, you are treated as an owner from the moment you check in. “Welcome back” is the standard greeting as they treat you as the most important guest on their property. Every precaution is in place to give you comfort with regards to the still ongoing Pandemic. All staff are wearing protective masks; there is proper distance indicators everywhere; even plexiglass between agents and guests.
During check-in they took the time to explain to me in details all the safety precautions that the resorts has in place including a very in depth room sanitizing. I felt comfortable and ready to enjoy my stay.
The Canadian Resort and Travel Association recognizes the efforts that most Vacation Membership Resorts have in place to give comfort in safety to all their guests. These are practices that meet the highest standards established by the World Health Association. These are standards that the average hotels or private rental homes do not always abide by as they are not regulated the same way.
I am here on business but when time permits, I can comfortably enjoy the many amenities with confidence that all precautions have been addressed at the highest level. This is where Resorts have the upper hand over standard accommodations
These are different times as the ongoing Pandemic still rages on worldwide. However, one can still travel safely thanks to the high safety standards in reputable resorts in Canada, USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. You can reach us anytime at [email protected] if you want references to a particular property.
Wishing you pleasant and safe travels
Kindest Regards
Gaetan Babin
President CRTA
Dear Industry Colleagues,
2021 is now history. A difficult and challenging year for so many. However, our Industry, always committed to offer the ultimate in quality vacation time for all demographics, has stepped up its game once again. Resorts have adapted and promise new safety protocols for all their guests to enjoy a safe environment.
As the Canadian Trade Association promotes and endorses properties, Resorts and Vacation Clubs where those safety protocols are in place and provide good and safe vacations, I want to thank and congratulate these projects that adhere to the highest standards. With all the negative and sadly, real facts on the ongoing mutation and high contagious new strands, resuming travel safely due to the efforts of all our Associates, Resorts, and Clubs needs to be commended. Our Industry continues to find solutions to challenges by endorsing new technology such as virtual meetings, by providing safe environments, and by encouraging travelers from around the globe to continue travel as Vacation Ownership Properties have committed to the highest standards in safety protocols.
We are grateful that Trade Associations such as ARDA, GNEX, AMDETUR and ACOTUR, plus many more, have given us forums to share our common challenges and find solutions as a united group. For those that have attended any or more of these conferences, you know the main topic was for all of us to adapt to the new normal and be part of the solutions, versus a victim of circumstance, or worse, part of the problem. All interactions at these events were directed at how do we continue to provide an environment where safety is at the forefront while continue to offer spectacular, enjoyable and memorable vacation time.
In the fall of 2022, CRTA will have its first international conference in 2 years. The entire team at CRTA is committed to provide a safe environment to all attendees. Due to or affiliation with GNEX, and the focus on Canadian Travellers who account for nearly ½ Million families who have invested in a Vacation Membership south of our Border, the event is bound to be a successful one. Personally, I look forward to welcoming all attendees and offer what we call good old Canadian hospitality.
I want to personally thank you for your continuing support of CRTA by recognizing that our role is to offer confidence to consumers that CRTA affiliated properties and associates offer not only quality and good value proposals but commit to the Industry’s highest code of ethics and transparency.
On behalf of my family to yours, and on behalf of the entire Board of Director at CRTA, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. May it be filled with joy, laughter, love, and good health.
Gaetan Babin
CRTA Chairperson
President, & CEO
The Annual CRTA General Meeting was held "virtually" this year, on November 23rd. Along with the major announcement of our new partnership with GNEX for our fall 2022 conference, CRTA also voted in a new Board Of Directors.
Taking on the role of "CRTA Director" for at least the next year are these industry professionals:
and President Gaetan Babin has agreed to take on the added role of Chairperson on top of his President & CEO roles
We thank all our previous board members for their time and service to our association, with special consideration going to Jon Zwickel, who has retired as our Chairperson, and has worked diligently in his various roles with our association for many years!
To view the complete board, and their bios, please visit our web page here - https://canadianrta.org/about-us/board-of-directors/
Canadian Resort and Travel Association (CRTA) has formed a strategic partnership with Perspective Group who produce the renowned annual GNEX Conference to create a collaborative vacation industry business event to be held in Canada each year, starting with the vibrant city of Toronto in September 2022.
The original Global Networking Experience (GNEX Conference) has been held annually as the first vacation ownership industry event of each year since 2011, attracting an average 180-200+ attendees from 100+ companies; bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and new faces from across the globe.
Earlier in 2021, GNEX Conference partnered with Asociación de Complejos Vacacionales y Turísticos, A.C. (ACOTUR) to create the GNEX-ACOTUR event in Mexico; and based on its successful format and attendance, GNEX-CRTA will follow a similar path.
These events focus heavily on networking and creating opportunities for senior-level attendees to generate new business relationships and strategic partnerships.
Many Canadians that purchase vacation memberships choose to do so in the United States and Mexico, and so attendees of this new event will also come from those areas in addition to the Canadian vacation industry. The event will be available to senior executives from CRTA member companies at a discounted rate, plus it will be open to any non-member company that is interested in doing business within the vacation industry.
“Good Strategic Alliances are key to any successful organization in today’s marketplace. We chose to have this partnership with GNEX as I believe in their core value and mission. Our vision has expanded to assist Canadian travelers when considering Vacation Memberships, mainly in the US and Mexico, by giving them confidence to do business with CRTA members as they agreed to abide by our Code of Ethics, the Industry’s highest standards.” Says Gaetan Babin, President & CEO, CRTA. “Our strategic partnership with GNEX at our 2022 Toronto Conference will ensure attendees have the opportunity to enhance their business by networking with key Industry Leaders. I look forward to welcoming everyone in fall of 2022 to our beautiful country.”
Since 1980, Canada’s only trade association for the vacation ownership and resort development industries has brought together development companies, management firms, resorts, exchange companies, service providers, suppliers and similarly aligned professional organizations to network and foster business growth.
Formerly CVOA and CRDA, the association recently entered a new era, with new leadership and a broadened objective as the Canadian Resort & Travel Association (CRTA).
“We are honored to partner with CRTA to produce the GNEX-CRTA Conference.. With our popular event format and industry reach we aim to bring together companies that sell to Canadian consumers, and those that want to do business with those companies and provide them with a networking-focused environment in which to find new clients, strategic partnerships and fresh ideas.” Says Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO, Perspective Group
GNEX Conferences put the acquisition of new business at the top of its priorities. Attendees are rewarded with unique session formats and interactive networking events that are created especially for the GNEX Conference, and unrivaled access to top-level executives that span all areas of the hotel and resort industry including: Resort Developers, Hoteliers, Resort Management Companies, Financiers, Investors, Legal Firms, Technology Providers, Exchange Companies, Rental & Resale Companies, Construction & Renovation Companies, Trade Associations, Online Travel Agencies, Travel Clubs, Vacation Rental Platforms, Sales & Marketing Companies, Consultancy Firms and much more.
More information will be announced soon for GNEX-CRTA 2022 in Toronto, Canada.
CRTA AGM AGENDA
TAKE NOTICE that the Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Canadian Resort & Travel Association (“CRTA” or “Corporation”) will be held on the 23rd day of November, 2021, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, via video conference.
The meeting agenda shall be as follows:
Video conference link, 2020 AGM minutes, and Proxy Form will be sent to all members in good standing. If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]
As the Canadian Resort & Travel Association continues it's upgrades and rebranding, we have added new "profile pages" for our members. The pages have a description of the business, links to their website and social media pages, and some have photos as well.
Check out our new Member listing page here and then click through to check out the improved member profiles!
